Kawika Smith, a former standout at Damien Memorial School and Hawaii Pacific University, has been named the Monarchs' head varsity basketball coach.

Smith was chosen from a field of 11 candidates, according to Damien athletic director Wally Aina Jr.

It will be the first high school head coaching position for Smith, 31. He worked as an assistant with the Damien junior varsity for two years and has assisted with the Damien track and field team.

Smith was a three-year starter for Damien. After graduating in 1996, he started two years for the Sea Warriors, the second as team captain.

He graduated in 2001 from HPU with a degree in visual communication. He minored in journalism.

Smith is a member of the Screen Actors Guild and has had small parts in ABC's "Lost" (2010 - the first episode of the final season), the shortlived Fox series, "North Shore" (2005) and the 2010 Lifetime Network movie, "Deadly Honeymoon."